CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Aug. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The University of Virginia Darden School of Business today announced the appointment of Gerald D. Starsia as senior associate dean and chief operating officer.

Starsia will lead the Darden School's finance, human resources, facilities, risk management and compliance, and hospitality operations. He will report to Darden's Dean Bob Bruner.

Bruner said, "Gerry's strengths can help Darden advance toward our vision of 'world-class impact and stature.' He brings years of administrative leadership at U.Va., which ensure that Darden will have a seasoned advocate and COO as the University transitions to a new internal financial model and a new strategy. He has successfully integrated University and foundation capabilities, experience that will sustain our own 'One Darden' organization. He has led complex facilities and construction projects, which will be valuable as we shape our own space requirements in the years to come. His earned doctorate and success as a classroom instructor give us an administrator who is passionate about academic excellence and the quality of the student learning experience."

Starsia is a well-established leader in the University of Virginia community. Since 2001, he has served in various roles at U.Va.'s McIntire School of Commerce -- most recently as senior associate dean for administration, with responsibility as chief operating officer and chief financial officer. He also served as executive director of the McIntire School Foundation and currently serves as a member of the U.Va. School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Foundation and the U.Va. Alumni Association.

At the McIntire School, Starsia has taught and lectured in various courses on the topics of leadership and management.

He holds an MBA degree from the University of Connecticut and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from U.Va.'s Curry School of Education.

About the Darden School of Business

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business is one of the world's leading business schools, offering MBA, Ph.D. and Executive Education programs. The unique Darden experience combines the case study method, top-ranked faculty whose research advances global managerial practice and business education, and a tight-knit learning environment to develop responsible and complete leaders who are ready to make an impact.

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